Is Precast Concrete Environmentally Friendly?

Environmentally friendly construction is on the rise. More projects call for sustainable materials as people, businesses and government agencies seek to protect the environment. Finding new ways to build can be a challenge. Fortunately, concrete, a mainstay in all types of construction, is a green product.

Concrete is made from natural materials. It can be manufactured with minimal waste. Precast concrete in particular is an eco-friendly solution for constructing box culverts, catch basins, manholes and many other products. Precast products use precise manufacturing techniques that produce less waste.

What Is Eco-Friendly Construction?

Eco-friendly construction uses materials and methods that have minimal impact on the environment. It seeks to use local materials to limit the carbon footprint of shipping raw materials.

The final products may even leave the environment better than before. For instance, a concrete wastewater tank makes it possible to treat stormwater and wastewater on site. Additionally, a precast three sided bridge structure allows for road building over bodies of water with little or no disruption of the natural habitat.

Environmentally friendly construction is being developed to comply with laws and in response to the demand for greener building methods. Eco-friendly techniques can be used in buildings, roads, parking lots or any type of project.

Is Precast Concrete Environmentally Friendly?

A tenet of sustainability is using materials that stand the test of time. Concrete is a durable product. Concrete pipes, for example, can last for 100 years or more. In addition, our design and manufacturing techniques are meticulously planned and executed to ensure longevity.

Here are a few more examples of our product’s green characteristics:

Low maintenance: Concrete is low maintenance. Many of our products, such as catch basin inlets, boxes and manholes, are installed below ground. Repairs to underground structures can involve digging or other disruptions to land and business. With long-lasting, water-tight precast concrete, fewer resources are required for maintenance.

Easier installation: We produce products at our facility. Precast concrete is ready to place when it arrives at the project site. Installation is easier and faster than poured-in-place concrete, resulting in less destruction and pollution. Concrete pipes and other products often use native backfill, eliminating the need to import backfill.

Locally sourced materials: We use locally produced raw materials. Using local materials, such as cement and aggregate from Oregon and steel from Washington, is good for the environment and good for the local economy.

Recycling: Our manufacturing process is efficient, creating minimal waste. We recycle process water, send our waste concrete to another company for recycling and use recycled steel in our products.